DELMAR- Mildred F. Parsons, 85, of Delmar, died Sunday, June 14, 2015 at her daughter-in-law's home in Laurel, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 14, 1930 in Salisbury, a daughter of the late Rola J. Lecates and Verdie M. (Elliott) Lecates. Mildred was a former, long-time member of Delmar Wesleyan Church. She was a wonderful mother to many and along with her late husband, provided foster care for over 300 children in a span of 30 years. Not only was she a lover of all children, she also loved animals, gardening, camping and craftwork. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed feeding others and will be remembered for her dumplings and biscuits and her own special sweet tea. She had a special love for gospel music. She had many favorites, but she got the most joy from the Parsons' family version of "Mansion Over the Hilltop." She is survived by two sons, Wayne Parsons and wife, Cathy of Fruitland and David Lee Parsons and wife, Christy of Delmar; two daughters, Nancy Meisenholder and husband, Denny of Delmar and Vernita Elzey and husband, Ricky of Georgetown; a daughter-in-law, Jeri Parsons of Laurel; eleven grandchildren, Theresa Baldwin, Candy Shupe, Roland James Parsons, II, David Martin Elzey, Danny Elzey, Donna Young, Brian Meisenholder, Sierra Parsons, Hunter Parsons, Christina Parsons and Bethany Parsons; many great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, James S. Parsons; a son, Roland J. Parsons; a daughter, Linda Parsons; two brothers, Paul R. Lecates and Oliver Lecates; and a sister, Loeda Briggs. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, and also on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. , followed by the funeral service, which begins at 11:00. Pastor Wayne Parsons and Pastor Rick Elzey will officiate. Interment will follow in the Lecates Family Cemetery in Delmar. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriot's Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.